G—No. 1.

quartz-crushing machine. There is good agricultural land in the vicinity, and I could attach a flour mill to the works from the same water-power if the land were thrown open. The land I speak of is joining Bendigo Gully, just below where most of the diggings are. I concur in thu opinion of the witnesses whose evidence has been read to us.

Mr. Goodf/cr. Continued.

No. 55. Mr. Benjamin Duling being duly sworn, examined : — ! have been a miner since 18G3 in this Province, whither I came from Victoria. I have about a a score of cattle, which I bought before 1 paid .£1 per head for them. I shall have to pay this like the rest. I have not even half an acre of land—nothing but the claim lam working in. lam just fenced-in, and al) the miners along the banks of the Kawarau are like rabbits in a burrow. I was in Court when a miller named Partridge applied to Mr. Pyke for two acres of land only, and he was refused until he could get Mr. Louglman's consent, though it was in the Goldiields where he was actually mining. I would sell my cattle at half the price they cost me, and leave the place, for they are actually starved. They are worried and thrashed about by stockmen. I have been a farmer in the old country, as a young man, and I wish to be so here ; and it is a heart-breaking thing that I should have to leave this country at my age. We got up a petition to the Superintendent, but got no answer. I believe it was thrown into the waste basket. My mate is selling out his interest in the Gorge. lam certain it is because he cannot get the means of settling down.

No. 55. Mr. Didiiiy. sth March, 1569.

SUPPLEMENTARY EVIDENCE.— CROMWELL. No. 56. The following letter from. Cromwell, with the additional evidence it enclosed, was received by the Commissioners after their return to Dunedim :— (Mr. li. l'\ Badger to the Comtnissoners.J Cromwell, 11th March, 1869. Gentlemen —I have the honor to forward the enclosed additional evidence of two persons desirous of obtaining land for settlement, Ist I have known the persons whose names follow a long time, and I have no reason to doubt their sincerity. 2nd. I have authority to say that Charles Hair, of Poison Creek, storekeeper ; and Hugh M'Pherson, of Wakefield, ferryman, will each of them take up fifty (50) acres ; and I know them to be in a position to commence farming at once. I also know that the latter has been obliged to sell his cattle for want of pasturage. 3rd. I have known many persons who made money at mining having left the district in consequence of their not being able to settle on the land. I name a few as instances—Scott and three partners they had made about £2000 each ; Thomas Owens, and Evan J. Owens. The former of these, Thomas Owens, returned a short time since with the intention of settling. Finding no land was to be had, he has again left. James Mason, George Taylor, William Taylor, JohnMcholos, Buchannan and two partners, David Genimell, John Ashworth, and John B. Henderson. The last three have lately come back, and arc waiting our efforts to get the land opened for settlement. I could add many more ; but I think the foregoing are sufficient for the purpose. I have been resident in this district since September, 1802. 1 have, Ac, R. F, Badges. To the Hon. Alfred DometL, and A. C. Strode, Esq., li.M., Commissioners.

No. s(i. Letter from Mr. Badger, cnchsiiiy addl. evidence.

(Evkleit,ce Enclosed.) I.—Mr. Maidman. I, Henry Maidman, of Luggett Creek, in the Province of Otago, Colony of JSTcw Zealand, make oath, and say : — Ist. That I am an hotel and store-keeper at the above-named place, occivpyiug 16 acres of land by permission of the runholder (Mr. Louglman.) 2nd. That I would take up 100 acres of land for agricultural purposes, if it were to be obtained under lease or by purchase. 3rd. That I am in a position to commence farming, and am only waiting the opportunity to do so. Henry Maidman.

Mr, Maidman.

55

LANDS IN OTAGO.